Terwilliger went missing on May 8, 2013, one day after being released on bail from the Broome County jail. Terwilliger was charged with sexual contact with a child, a felony.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office began investigating Terwilliger's disappearance. A nationwide arrest warrant was issued for Terwilliger. During the investigation, deputies found a suicide note believed to be written by the 55-year-old.